Building control

Building Control Teams

The City Council actively encourages the refurbishment of older buildings, the provision of new housing and the development of offices and services in suitable areas.

While architectural form and town planning are the more visible aspects of the City Council's role in the built environment, the health and safety of persons in and about buildings is a less visible, but equally important, responsibility.

Westminster District Surveyors discharge this responsibility on behalf of the City Council and is responsible for ensuring that the Building Regulations and allied legislation are complied with.

Our offices are located at:

Westminster District Surveyors,  Westminster City Hall (11th Floor),  64 Victoria Street,  London SW1E 6QP

Our professional staff are divided into 'front line' building control teams covering the geographical areas of Westminster North, Westminster South and Special Projects, and have in support specialist teams of mechanical and electrical engineers, and street naming and numbering officers.

Our Building Control Teams

Our surveyors will provide you with the best advice on all matters relating to the statutory control and licensing of buildings and structures. We have a wide range of skills and experience for you to draw upon, including:-

• Building Construction
• Geotechnics
• Structural and Civil Engineering
• Fire Safety and Fire Engineering
• Drainage and Sanitation
• Access and Facilities for people with disabilities
• Energy Conservation
• Temporary Structures for Special Events
• Safety at Sports Grounds
• Public Safety

Our knowledge of local subsoil conditions and buildings in Westminster is second to none and we can assist you with practical advice on a range of building matters and with problem solving. We are also able to facilitate liaison with other 'City Departments'.

On the more complex project we are able to assemble a team of specialists in particular fields (e.g. structural engineering, fire engineering, energy efficiency, etc.) to ensure that you receive good advice at an early stage and at any time of the day.

We will work with you to ensure that your building meets the requirements of today's legislation.

Westminster North Team

Covering the areas North of Oxford Street and Bayswater Road: Queens Park, Harrow Road, Maida Vale, Little Venice, Regents Park, Church Street, Paddington, Marylebone, Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate, Baker Street, Bayswater and Westbourne Grove.

Westminster South Team

Covering the areas of South of Oxford Street: Mayfair, Piccadilly, Soho, Covent Garden, Whitehall, Strand, Embankment, Belgravia, Knightsbridge, Pimlico and Victoria.

Special Projects Team

Dealing with pre-application advice and plans vetting on all large new projects within Westminster and other partnership projects.

Building Regulation Engineering Group (BREG)

With the increase in buildings incorporating 'Fire Engineering' and complex mechanical and electrical systems in their design, it is essential that all such systems are checked thoroughly at both application stage and during construction.

The BREG engineers assist the Building Control teams, both at application stage and on site, to ensure that a particular installation meets the requirements of the Building Regulations. A further responsibility is advising on engineering matters with respect to licensed premises.

Street Naming and Numbering

The Street Naming and Numbering Officer, ensures that all new streets and buildings are properly named and numbered. In processing an application, consultation with the Post Office and emergency services is carried out together with any necessary site inspections.